Driving Time
The Tahquamenon Falls Scenic Byway (M-123) is 63 miles long across part of the Eastern Upper Peninsula. The byway starts and ends at M-28, heading north, then across to the east to the Lake Superior shoreline, then back south to the M-28 highway. Most folks begin their exploration in the town of Newberry. It can all be driven in a day, but you’ll want to take your time at several of the stops, which is why we stretched out this itinerary to encompass three days. Choose a place to camp and then hit the road!
- Distance from Mackinac City (top of the Lower Peninsula): 90 miles
- Distance from Mount Pleasant (middle of the Lower Peninsula): 243 miles
- Distance from Detroit (bottom of the Lower Peninsula): 371 miles
- Distance from Toledo, Ohio: 410 miles
- Distance from Chicago, Illinois: 451 miles (Wisconsin route) / 496 miles (Michigan route)
Where to Camp
In the state park, there are numerous camping options. There are two modern campgrounds, one at the Lower Falls and one at the Rivermouth, which provide electric and a sanitation station. There is also rustic and backcountry camping. Check the website for site maps and reservations. There are also numerous private campgrounds around the area. Regardless, you’ll need to purchase a Recreation Passport to access the state park and to see the waterfalls.
Day 1
Visit the town of Newberry. The big attraction here is Oswald’s Bear Ranch, the largest bear ranch in the United States. There are 40 rescued black bears here that can be viewed in their (safe) natural habitats. The ranch is open Memorial Day through October 10th, 9:30 am – 5:00 pm. Admission is a flat $30 per vehicle, then the ranch is walkable.
You can also visit the Tahquamenon Logging Museum, which is situated on the Tahquamenon River. Explore original buildings and memorabilia, including the Pratt one-room schoolhouse, and take a stroll along the boardwalk. The museum is open six days a week, May 22-September 30, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. If you can time it right, don’t miss on their famous Lumberjack breakfasts, which are hosted once a month (2026: June 27, July 25, August 22, September 26).
Three miles down the road is the Hamilton Lake Natural Area, where you can take an easy stroll through the picturesque wilderness as well as take in the beauty from a scenic overlook. Driving between the logging museum and Hamilton Lake, you’ll encounter another little-known gem: the Luce County Historical Museum. This is a state and national historic site, full of artifacts of bygone times in the area. It also used to be the county jail.
A summer panoramic view of the Tahquamenon Upper Falls and River with a rainbow in the Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Upper Peninsula, Michigan, USA
Day 2
Today is all about the Tahquamenon Falls State Park. This is 50,000 acres of stunning Michigan scenery. The most popular site is the falls. There are the Upper Falls and Lower Falls. The Upper Falls are Michigan’s largest waterfall and one of the largest east of the Mississippi River. There is a viewing platform a short distance from the parking lot so that you can get a good look (and listen) to this impressive waterfall. Walk down some steps for an even better look. Four miles downstream, you can hike the length of this by following the River Trail, are the Lower Falls. Seasonal shuttles run between the Lower Falls and Upper Falls. You can also drive to this location. There is a footbridge to an island, with a boardwalk around the island for close-up views. You can rent a rowboat for $10 to paddle below the Lower Falls as well. This is also a spot where you can go swimming. Just wear water shoes as the riverbed is rocky.
There are several hikes you can take within the state park. Already mentioned was the River Trail, which consists of meandering through an old-growth forest, giant cedars, and wildflowers. There are several hilly sections and staircases that can make this trail more challenging. For birdwatchers, visit the one-mile Emerson Trail. Another popular, and easy, trail is the Great Pones Loop, which runs 3.8 miles. If you’re looking for something longer, embark on the 7.5-mile Wilderness Loop, which goes through the most remote parts of the park and visits a beaver pond.
Make sure to pack plenty of snacks, water, and sunscreen for this special day!
Whitefish Point is home to both the Great Lakes Shipwreck Society and the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory.
Day 3
After a hearty breakfast, drive about 15 minutes along M-123 to Paradise, then drive 10 miles up to Whitefish Point, which has the oldest operating lighthouse on Lake Superior. You can climb the tower for a view of passing freighters and other vessels. Also on site are multiple buildings, including the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. Artifacts and stories about Michigan’s extensive maritime past and present, including its tragedies such as the Edmund Fitzgerald. Plan to spend at least a couple hours here to truly connect with history and admire the natural scenery.
Get back onto M-123 and follow it 38 miles south until you reach the village of Eckerman. Wilderness has reclaimed this once-booming logging town. Your destination is Eckerman Pond. If you have a canoe or kayak and some fishing gear, this is the ideal spot to cast a reel. Otherwise, it’s the perfect location for a picnic. “Serene” is the word that best describes it.
You’re back to the M-28 highway. Now, it’s up to you how to continue your UP adventure.
Extend Your Trip
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (check out this tour)
- Sault Ste. Marie (check out this tour)
- North Huron Scenic Byway (check out this tour)